Entertainment, including film, TV, gaming, and music, is one of the top industries in the United States and is America's largest global export.

"Entertainment is part of the fabric of our global society -- it's something that touches all of us in specific, emotional ways," said Dave Senay, president and chief executive officer of Fleishman-Hillard. "This new practice will guide companies and other organizations as they weigh their options for strategically using entertainment to create an emotional connection with their audiences. Our experienced professionals will help clients understand the undeniable influence of the entertainment industry, and leverage that influence in their communications."

"This practice is experienced, integrated, and global," said David Stamper, senior vice president, partner, and general manager of Fleishman-Hillard Los Angeles, who oversees the group. "By formalizing these services throughout the Fleishman-Hillard network and working closely with our specialized Omnicom partners, we are able to offer current and potential clients an unparalleled depth of expertise and service."

"Our newly relocated Los Angeles office on Hollywood Boulevard sits at the epicenter of the world's perception of the entertainment industry," Stamper added, "So it's a fitting base from which to coordinate this new offering."

"Our network has tremendous global experience in bringing entertainment-focused programs to life for our clients," said Michelle Mikoljak Stevenson, co-chair of the practice and vice president at Fleishman-Hillard Los Angeles. "Whether it is media relations, events, sponsorships, or influencer seeding and digital integration, we have counselors throughout the network with direct experience."

Global co-chairs also include Sean Lashley, vice president at Fleishman-Hillard's St. Louis headquarters, and vice president Nick Cakebread, who leads Fleishman-Hillard's Asia Pacific team from the firm's Shanghai office. Fleishman-Hillard Entertainment includes dedicated practitioners in 11 U.S. offices and nine international locations.

Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world's leading public relations firms, has built its reputation by using strategic communications to deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive, and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity, and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, South Africa, and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard Web site at http://www.fleishman.com/.

Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (http://www.omnicomgroup.com/). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.